Tower Hamlets Resilience Framework

Tower Hamlets Resilience Framework (Contract R6048)

A collaborative framework to strengthen resilience, efficiency and value for money across local authorities.

Framework overview

The Tower Hamlets Resilience Framework has been designed to help local authorities strengthen service resilience while maintaining compliance, quality and value for money.

The Framework offers a structured and fully compliant procurement solution for accessing high-quality, flexible and cost-effective services.

By providing access to a network of vetted and approved suppliers, the framework supports councils in responding to

  • operational pressures
  • resource shortages
  • changing service demands.

Combined with clear governance plans, monitoring performance and collaborative improvement initiatives, it enables authorities to deliver better outcomes for residents and achieve long-term sustainability.

Through the framework, councils can quickly and flexibly commission services from pre-approved suppliers. These can be used to find solutions for:

  • workload peaks
  • staff vacancies
  • service backlogs
  • transformation programmes
  • other resilience requirements.

Benefits for local authorities

Resilience and stability

Shared governance, regular performance reviews and improvement actions strengthen long‑term service resilience.

Value for money

Competitive pricing, pre‑procured suppliers and shared framework use reduce costs and procurement overheads.

Easy access to suppliers

A single framework gives access to multiple approved suppliers across defined lots, reducing procurement time and complexity.

Assurance and compliance

Standardised service agreements ensure clarity, accountability and reduced risk of non‑compliance.

Performance visibility

Quarterly or monthly performance summaries and consistent data collection provide clear insight into delivery and risks.

Collaboration and support

Authorities benefit from shared learning, joint problem‑solving and transparent communication.

Faster access to suppliers

A compliant, ready‑to‑use route to market removes the need for lengthy procurement exercises.

Services provided through the framework

The framework covers a range of supplier‑delivered services organised into “lots”.
Each lot represents a specific service area, enabling authorities to select the most appropriate supplier for their needs.

Services typically include:

  • Remote processing services - Revenues and Benefits processing services.
  • Specialist enforcement lawyers - Debt collection and Insolvency actions
  • Accounts payable audit services - Audit and recovery services

Joining the Framework

  • Local authorities may join the framework by paying a one‑off joining fee, which varies depending on the Lot chosen to access.
  • Access includes participation in governance, performance reporting and engagement activities.
  • A partial or full fee may be waived subject to the approval of a waiver request.

Service / Call-off agreement

A pre‑written service agreement is completed and signed by all parties before any service commences. It sets out the services required, agreed pricing (including any expected increases), timelines, performance measures and call‑off terms, ensuring transparency and compliance from the outset.

Download the order form

Framework lots, suppliers and joining fees

This section outlines the Lots available within the framework, the appointed suppliers for each Lot, and the associated joining fees for organisations wishing to access the framework. Read Lot 1 specification.

Lot 1 – Remote processing services

Scope

Remote processing services to support all Revenues and Benefits functions, including Council Tax, Benefits processing, and related support or administrative services.

Services may be commissioned either on a per‑admin‑completion cost or through dedicated FTEs supplied at a day rate, providing flexibility to match service demand and budget preferences. 

Approved suppliers

Joining fee: £7,500

Lot 2 – Specialist enforcement lawyers

Scope

Appointment of specialist enforcement lawyers to recover debt from individuals or businesses with assets who have not paid, including undertaking insolvency action where required. Read Lot 2 specification

Approved suppliers

Joining fee: £5,000

Lot 3 – Accounts payable audit

Scope

Provision of Accounts Payable (AP) audit services to ensure accuracy, compliance and effective financial controls. Read Lot 3 specification.

Approved suppliers

Joining fee: £5,000

Governance and performance management

The framework is supported by a clear governance structure to ensure transparency, accountability and continuous improvement.

Key governance features

  • Quarterly engagement meetings
    Joint sessions with suppliers and local authorities to review performance, risks and actions.
  • Standardised service agreements
    All agreements include clear performance measures and governance requirements, with a target of 100% compliance.
  • Data and evidence collection
    Suppliers provide agreed data to support quarterly performance summaries.
  • Bi‑monthly updates
    Regular communication ensures all partners remain informed and aligned.

How to join

Read the documentation

To learn more about joining the Tower Hamlets Resilient Framework, local authorities can review the following supporting documents.

Sign and submit

You can then sign and submit the access form. When you submit the access form, you agree to the terms and conditions in the supporting documents.

Complete the access form

Find out more

To submit an expression of interest or to discuss the framework with the programme lead, Syed Rohman please email resilience.framework@towerhamlets.gov.uk or call 07889 971 105.